AIM:To investigate the visual acuity change and its influencing factors of diabetic cataract after phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation. METHODS:Phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation was done in 42 patients (48 eyes) with diabetic cataract and 48 senile cataract patients (48 eyes).Visual acuity and postoperative complications were observed. RESULTS：Compared with the control group, diabetic group postoperative visual acuity was poor, but the two groups was no significant difference. In the diabetic group, postoperative corneal endothelial edema, fibrinous exudation and posterior synechiae of iris increased significantly. CONCLUSION：The visual acuity after the operation was related to the diabetic retinopathy level, diabetic duration and postoperative complications.